I have a new puppy, now what do I do?

You know that saying “You can’t teach an old dog ne​w tricks?” For the most part that is incorrect because you can teach or redirect a dog at any age new or better behaviors.  However, where this saying comes true is with socialization. The experiences a puppy has during the first 12 weeks of his life will have a profound and unchangeable impact on his personality and social outlook for the rest of his life.  This is called the critical socialization period because the effects of experiences (or lack of experiences) during this period cannot be changed later. You & your dog will live with the effects of the critical socialization period forever.
 
During the first 12 weeks, puppies should be safely exposed to new people, dogs, environments  objects, sounds, & scents. Varied, positive social experiences go a long way towards raising a comfortable, confident puppy that can thrive in many different environments.  A well-socialized puppy is usually seen as “a great family pet” that “I can trust” to “go anywhere” with me.  Also, they are able to handle normal stress in his environment, can demonstrate self control, can demonstrate self-calming capabilities and can communicate effectively with other dogs.
 
A well-socialized puppy is much less likely to have serious fear or aggression during his lifetime. 
 
So, with this said how do you do this?  Take your puppy everywhere.  Let him experience different people (men, women, children, men with hats on, people in uniforms, etc), different feels (grass, cloth, water, cement, tile, etc.).  Also, different toys such as, soft, hard, squeaky, rope, balls of different sizes.  Last but not least, as many other dogs as possible.  I’ve heard it said 100 dogs in 100 days.  However, a word of caution, make sure that you keep your puppy off the dirt because deadly viruses live in the dirt (parvo), and only around dogs that you either know or have been fully vaccinated.  
 
Take your dog to puppy socialization groups or puppy kindergarten.  That’s where I come in.  Give me a call and lets get you started off on the right paw!

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Pam Tuss

Pam Francis-Tuss is a certified dog trainer with extensive experience under her belt, and more importantly, an undying passion for our 4-legged best pals. The Sacramento, CA-based professional is the entrepreneur behind Obedient Pups – the only trainer in the area to offer Day Training services! Pam believes in respecting owners and their beloved pets: this is why she supports the association for Force-free professionals and values reward-based training strategies and positive reinforcement techniques that have a great impact on the psyche of your dog and lasting good behaviors. The best thing about reward-based dog training is that it can be adapted for any behavior and any breed. But understand that the reward doesn’t have to always be food. It can be praise, a toy or just going outside to play. With a good understanding of how your dog is motivated you can do almost anything from basic training to agility training. Pam spent 32 years working in the medical field and when she finally retired she started doing what made her the happiest…working with dogs. Pam has always had a dog in her life and can’t imagine life without one (or two). ​ Pam has been married for 30 years and has one awesome grown son. She currently has two dogs, her son’s dog Cooper (a 8 year Old English Sheepdog/Boxer mix) and Maddy (a 4 year old mini pit mix). Both are Pam’s best friends and her true loves. ​ Find out more and feel free to get in touch her for further info!